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Preventing Cabin Fever During The Coronavirus Sheltering

Covid-19 does not have to steal your joy so be creative during the down time.

By Cheryl E PrestonPublished 4 years ago 5 min read
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There are a lot of people who are struggling with cabin fever right now, because of self isolation and social distancing related to the coronavirus. You don’t have to be bored out of you mind as there is much you can do. Travel is being restricted and everyone is being told to stay in. You might be so overwhelmed and focused on having your freedom restricted that you could be missing something important that will get you through this uncomfortable season of life. This is the new normal for now, but this too shall pass. In the meantime, Instead of lamenting about what you cannot do, make a list of all the things that you can indulge in. Here is a list of 20 ideas you may find beneficial. If none of these is agreeable with you, then spend some time coming up with your own list.

1. Laundry

This is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your laundry. If you don't have a washer and dryer and are unable to get to the laundromat here are some things you can do. Small items can be washed in the sink and dried over the shower bar or a portable dryer if you have one. If you have only worn your jeans once and they have just a couple of spots, you can take a damp cloth and wipe the spots clean. Since you are in, you probably are not getting your clothes as dirty and can wear them more than one day. You can cut back on laundry by lounging around the house in your night clothing and a robe.

2. Spring cleaning

Use this extra time to your house, wash all the dishes and take out all the trash. Go through your closet and get rid of everything you know you will not be using.

3. Become as avid reader

This is the best time to read a good book and you might be able to get through it uninterrupted. Set a goal each day of how much you want to read and the time will slip away. If you are not an avid reader, this is the best opportunity to become one.

4. Home Entertainment

Watch your favorite movies, cartoons, or television shows. Pop some popcorn and make it a movie day or night. Consider having a marathon which is always fun. My two youngest children and I used to put six hour video tapes, into the VCR, climb into the twin beds in their room and watch them into the wee hours of the night. Looney Tunes and Rugrats were our favorites.

5. Personal motivation

Engage in your religion of choice by praying and reading the Bible, or whatever materials you use. If you are not religious you can meditate or do yoga. Whatever centers you, this is the time to go all in.

6. Do unto others

Spend time making telephone calls and wellness checks on friends, relatives and neighbors. Use Facetime and Skype when available.

7. Exercise

Get out your exercise mat and utilize it. Strength training and or cardio both are beneficial. It's important to keep moving so you don't add on the pounds. If it is safe and your local parks and trails are open, please use social distancing. If you can, walk around the inside of your home or outside in your yard to burn calories.

8. Become a chef

Bake a cake, cookies or casserole. Try a new recipe for your next meal. Experiment with the food you have on hand and be creative.

9. Rest

Catch up on your rest by sleeping later, going to bed earlier, or taking naps.

10. Dance your way through it

Sometimes you have to be like Chic and Dance, Dance, Dance.

George Clinton and Parliament had a hit with One Nation Under a Grove. There is a line that says, "Here's your chance to dance your way, out of your constrictions." Dance to your favorite music because it will make you happy and get your mind off of Covid-19.

11. Enjoy me time

Although this is a dangerous and deadly time in our history, you can ease your mind a bit by considering sheltering as me time. Take a few moments to do nothing. Pretend you are on a vacation and simply enjoy the peace and solitude.

12. Change and rearrange

Rearrange furniture, put up new curtains, switch house plants around or make other changes to your living space. Breaking a routine will give you something new and different to look at.

13. Pamper yourself

Give yourself a facial, manicure or pedicures or try a new hair style.

14. Breathe

Practice deep breathing to reduce stress. Sit up straight and breath I’m slowly through your nose. Hold for a few seconds then let it out through your mouth. Do this in sets of 10 throughout the day and enjoy the benefits.

15. Spend time on the Internet on social media talking with your friends or followers on Facebook and Twitter. This is a good time to research information that may be beneficial and do the things you cannot when you are working.

16. Monitor your supplies

Routinely check your food and supplies to make sure you are not running low. Make a list of everything you need for your next trip out.

17. Music

Listen to your favorite music on your radio, stereo system or the Interne and do it often.

18. Gaming

Board games are always in order and also consider Internet card games like Solitaire and Free cell. You can download them on your phone and have a good time. If you are an Internet gamer, this is an ideal method to keep up with your associates and see how everyone is doing.

19. Use your fingers

Write in a diary, a blog or journal and chronicle your current situation. Those who write for a living can use the down time to keep the creative juices flowing and produce more work.

20. Family matters

If you have spouse or other family members in the home make it your mission to be extra kind and not get on anyone’s nerves. Find a room or space to yourself when you feel stressed. If tensions rise, you be the one to diffuse the situation and walk away. Ask your loved ones how they are doing and keep them motivated. Focusing on the welfare of others will keep your mind off of yourself and the time should go by much faster.

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About the Creator

Cheryl E Preston

Cheryl is a widow who enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.

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